Bad Deal

Dear Dealmakers:

Baseball dominates themail again this issue, as well it should. Government officials are doing a lot of fast talking, attempting to disguise what a poor deal they negotiated for the city, and trying to hide how badly they served the citizens by saddling us with the half billion dollar giveaway they begged Major League Baseball to accept. Their attitude toward us mirrors MLB’s attitude toward them — take it or leave it; those are our terms; you’ll accept them if you want a team to play in DC; don’t you dare alter a comma in the contract we dictate to you. Oh, in the end there will be some very minor concessions. Administration officials are now trying desperately to identify the “community leaders” whose support can be most easily and cheaply bought by empty promises of a few crumbs from the table, and they’re ginning up the illusion of public support and public benefits to give any wavering councilmembers the cover they need to vote for the special interests of a few wealthy sports promoters and against the interests of their constituents.

As I’ve written before, the politicians think they can get away with a deal this bad because they don’t think the voters are smart enough to know what they’re up to or determined enough to make them pay for it at the polls. I think the politicians are wrong, and I think this issue is big enough to end the careers, or at least cap the aspirations, of those who will force it through the city council without any serious examination during the next two months. For a schedule of the public meetings that the Mayor’s office plans to send representatives to to promote baseball, see http://www.dcwatch.com/calendar.htm. We’ll try to keep it updated as more information becomes available.

Correction: in the last issue of themail, I mixed up the attributions, and credited the message “Our Government, Our Taxes,” to the wrong contributor. Its author was really Ed Dixon, jedxn@erols.com, and I’ve make the correction in the archives.

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

###############

The Newest Approach to Destroying Historic Buildings
Richard Layman, rlaymandc@yahoo.com

Before and after shots of 439 and 419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, are now posted at http://www.victoriansecrets.net/face.html. These photos depict the destruction of usable row houses, by shearing off the historically distinctive facades of the buildings and replacing them with plywood painted brick red in hopes that passersby don't notice the destruction. According to someone in the DC Historic Preservation Office, the permits allowing this called for “alterations” to the buildings. Some alteration. Once again this shows extreme defects in the historic preservation laws in DC, which in most cases do a great job of protecting designated buildings and historic districts, and yet provide no protections whatsoever for undesignated buildings and districts that are equally deserving of designation. There are no anti-demolition provisions in DC laws for eligible but unlisted buildings. As a result, Washington's historic building stock is shrinking month-by-month because eligible but unlisted buildings are being demolished in areas facing extreme development pressure. And there seems to be no interest in trying to correct this sorry situation.

Note that San Francisco has enacted a temporary demolition moratorium (in force since last December) because under requirements of the General Plan, the Department is predisposed to discourage the demolition of sound housing. If the structure proposed for demolition is determined to be sound, the applicant may be advised to consider a project that alters or enlarges, rather than demolishes and replaces, the sound building, unless the proposal meets a preponderance of other (non-soundness related) General Plan Objectives. (For more information about SF policies, see http://sfgov.org/site/planning_index.asp?id=24995.)

DC has comparable language in its own Comprehensive Plan: The difference between DC and San Francisco is that there is no regulatory support to protect buildings that are sound, but perhaps in the way of other development plans and preferences. Shearing off the facades of buildings is a great new wrinkle on the demolition of architecturally significant and distinctive buildings, as a prelude to their ultimate destruction. I do know that the same thing was done on the same block about ten years ago, leading to the eventual demolition of a reasonably large apartment building. The lots are still vacant. Who can help us? Can the National Trust? I feel like there is nothing we can do locally to right this sorry situation. Is it appropriate to bring up decertification of the District of Columbia vis-a-vis the National Park Service as a tactic to force this on the political agenda within the city?

###############

Baseball Legislation Unfair to Small Businesses
Michael Ward, michael.d.ward@verizon.net

I read with great alarm the draft legislation presented to fund the baseball stadium. It is extremely regressive, gives big businesses that might best be able to afford it a cheap if not free ride, and gives the Mayor undue authority to raise the already regressive rates (without any apparent legislative action) should in his belief the existing ballpark fee not be likely to pull in at least $24 million. The ballpark fee is assessed on a stepped basis, with businesses grossing between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000 per year paying $3,000. From $4,000,001 to $8,000,000, the fee is $7,200. From $8,000,001 to $12,000,000, the fee is $12,000. For $12,000,001 to $16,000,000, the fee is $19,100. And for anything over $16,000,000, the fee is $28,200. Doing the math, and the highest rate (as a percent of gross receipts) is paid by a business generating only $4,000,001. The fee would be almost imperceptible for a truly large business, but perhaps they have enough political clout to shift the burden to others.

Since those who are most likely to bear the heaviest burden (small businesses, including professional services firms, etc.) were not consulted, someone needs to get the word out. A small business partnership of a few individuals could end up costing each partner thousands of dollars. That doesn't strike me as something that only “business” pays since, at the end of the day, small businesses are owned by people. Enormous corporations, which can spread the impact across many stockholders, probably pay more for paper clips, pens, and copier paper in a year.

I am hopeful that the Mayor was simply not well-advised in adopting this approach. The already opposed Council members (Fenty and Catania) graciously thanked me for my comments when I shared my analysis with all Council members, but no one seems willing to discuss this aspect of the legislation openly. Baseball would be great if it came to the District without a redistribution of resources from District residents and businesses to the MLB owners (and to whomever they sell the team). If baseball is a valid business model, then it should be able to pay its own way (as I suspect it can, just at less profit to its owners). Also, if there exists the capacity to extract $24 million a year from businesses, perhaps there would be less backlash if it were reinvested in programs that enrich the lives of those we struggle so much to help. $24 million would handsomely fund a literacy and jobs program. As a match to expand Medicaid coverage, $24 million could drive $80 million in services. I don't think anyone is projecting baseball will bring $80 million a year into the District that could enhance services, are they?

###############

Could Congress Stop the Stadium?
Ted Knutson, Decreporter@yahoo.com

With all of the Senators and Representatives from districts with teams that will depend on the regurgitated Expos to fatten up their win columns, maybe not. However, I wonder if there could be opposition, since the big business levy is a commuter tax in sheep's clothing. Any comments?

###############

Baseball Gift or Investment
Angela Christophe, achristophedc@hotmail.com

“The public officials of this city have shown themselves to be the most inept bargainers and the worst businessmen in the nation … the foolishness of this stadium deal, and how much worse it is than the deals struck with sports leagues by other cities...” [themail, September 29]. I am opposed to the District of Columbia giving a gift of a $440-plus million dollar stadium to Major League Baseball (regardless of how it is financed) and I see it as a bad deal that reflects the sentiment expressed by Gary Imhoff above. I believe the District’s “colonial mentality” of not being good enough and not being in control, leads to this posture of begging (be it a School Superintendent, Olympics, Boxing, etc.) our way into bad deals and unhealthy/unprofitable relationships.

Given that Baseball will return to DC despite residents’ opposition, I want a better deal. A $440 million investment should “buy” something. The team ownership has not been decided. The District of Columbia, as a major investor, should get some percentage ownership of the team. Of course it should be a “silent” nonvoting share, but a small percentage could direct revenue from the team (not just taxes on stadium related goods) toward first paying off the $440 million in debt, and eventually could be earmarked or go into the General Fund. Though I’m no expert, the Green Bay Packers (with a much larger percent ownership, which I am not recommending) illustrate the kind of “buy-in” and local support (more like undying dedication) local ownership affords a team.

MLB will determine the team ownership, but is there any leverage DC might have towards obtaining a percentage of ownership? Is there a possibility of DC being included as part of any of the teams vying for ownership? Surely there is a way that the $440 million in bond revenue that the District government will put up to build a stadium for a baseball team can be used as an investment and not as a gift.

###############

Mayor Dishes Out Platitudes to Public Before Jetting Off Again
Ed Delaney, profeddel@yahoo.com

“‘I'm concerned that you're fighting for baseball and we do not have a public hospital’ east of the Anacostia River, Jauhar Abraham, 36, who volunteers at social service centers, told Williams. Williams replied that the government is negotiating with Howard University to build a hospital on the campus of DC General, which was closed a couple of years ago. ‘Can we get that first?’ someone in the crowd shouted, as an organizer called an end to the meeting” (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28543-2004Oct12.html?sub=AR). Yes, where's the fast-tracking of that hospital plan at a breakneck pace like there is for a stadium? Seeing as he's the one that closed it against the advice and wishes of many others in what has turned out predictably to be a fiasco, Williams should be giving more than lip service to such a plan but should be meeting with city officials on the public’s dime at a constant rate as he has on the sweetheart stadium deal. That really says it all in terms of his priorities.

“‘We can leverage this investment and put money in schools and rec centers,’ he said. ‘I believe we are able to build a stadium the way we describe and put additional funding [to other needs]. This is not an either-or decision.’” Additional funding? From where? The stadium deal is structured to pay off the ballpark debt as soon as possible, meaning every dime is going to be going straight into paying off that debt, whose real cost is yet to truly be determined because of the cost overrun factor. And if there are any revenue shortfalls, you can forget about extra revenue and start watching your wallets as they find ways to cover the shortfall. Unless the mayor is suggesting that provision be adjusted — and he isn’t, since it’s a key part of the bill he and the baseball brigade are insisting remain fundamentally unchanged or else, it appears just to be talk. MLB gets financial specifics and strict deadlines, while the public gets vague talk — which is anything but cheap at this point in terms of public dollars going towards this sweetheart deal.

“‘FedEx is the old suburban model,’ Williams said. ‘It's a giant parking lot with a big stadium plopped down like a spaceship. You can't go anywhere to shop. You can't go anywhere to eat. We're bringing this stadium to a vibrant community.’” Actually, you’re plopping the stadium down on existing residents and businesses, thus squashing any existing vibrancy therein.

###############

The Washington Team’s Name
Peggy Robin, probin at adlerbooks dot com

I've heard a lot of semi-sarcastic suggestions about the new team's name, including the Washington Warmongers (catchy, isn't it?), the Washington Lobbyists, the Washington Fatcats, and the Washington Profiteers. The three plausible choices I hear bandied about are the Washington Monuments, the Washington Senators (the last major league team we had), and the Washington Grays (a tribute to the Negro League team we once had). Reading the last issue of themail, I was inspired by Phil Carney's joking suggestion that we call our team the Tonys to put forward my own non-joking choice that actually does pay tribute to a great man: name our team the Washington Kings to honor Martin Luther King, who led the fight for civil rights for all people but especially for African Americans, the majority in this city.

Naming the team for the civil rights leader is also a subtle way — but not a sarcastic way — to signal that we in the District of Columbia are still disenfranchised and fighting for our civil rights. Also, does anyone know where to send my suggestion so that it can be considered by those who will actually get to decide?

###############

CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS

Outdoor Latin Jazz Concert, October 14
Alexander M. Padro, PadroANC2C@aol.com

In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Friends of Watha T. Daniel Library will present a Latin Jazz concert and Latin American history and culture program at the library on Thursday, October 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event is free and open to all and sponsored in part by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C. The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library is located at 1701 8th Street, NW. On your way home from work or the Metro, stop by the library’s 7th Street plaza and listen to Latin jazz band Mezcla Latina (Latin Mix) from HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues. The musicians will demonstrate Latin jazz styles and instruments. Also included in the program will be poetry readings and other presentations on Latin American and Hispanic American history and culture.

The Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library is steps away from the Shaw-Howard University Metro stop on the Green Line. The concert will be held outdoors, on the library's 7th Street plaza, weather permitting, and will be moved indoors in the event of bad weather. For more information, call the library at 671-0212 or E-mail FriendsofWTDLib@aol.com. For more information on HR-57 and Jazz, visit http://www.hr57.org.

###############

Capitol Hill House Tour to Benefit Public Schools, October 16
Mark Eckenwiler, themale at ingot dot org

The fourth annual Renovator's House Tour will take place on Saturday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's tour showcases a variety of historic Capitol Hill houses featuring creative and innovative renovations done on modest budgets. All proceeds of this self-guided tour benefit the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a part of DC Public Schools. For information and tickets, visit http://www.renovatorshousetour.org/_wsn/page3.html or call 547-3336.

###############

Candidates to Speak at CCCA/ANC Forum, October 19
Sarah Pokempner, azepo@aol.com

On Tuesday evening, October 19, the Chevy Chase Citizens Association and ANC 3/4G are cosponsoring a Candidates Forum at the Chevy Chase Community Center, Connecticut Avenue & McKinley St., NW. We will begin at 7:15 p.m. with school board candidates, followed by ANC candidates, and concluding with City Council contestants. Ben & Jerry's will be providing refreshments. We expect a spirited discussion of the issues facing our city, our schools and our neighborhood with an opportunity for questions from the audience. Questions about the event can be answered by E-mail: azepo@aol.com.

###############

Fair Budget Coalition’s Tenth Anniversary, October 19
Martina Gillis, martina@legalclinic.org

Fair Budget Coalition is reaching out to activists who have been involved with Fair Budget over the past ten years. Who would have thought that we would still be here and getting stronger! I would personally like to thank you for being one of those who gave Fair Budget a strong foundation rooted in the community on common values and beliefs that we can and must do for all residents, especially those that are poor and vulnerable and most importantly helping them to raise their voice in the political process. We hope that you will come out and take part in the celebration, because without people like you, there would be no Fair Budget Coalition! Come help celebrate ten years of your work in progress!

Tuesday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 1200 U Street, Lankford Auditorium. $20 donation, no one turned away! Jonathan Smith, keynote speaker, cofounder of FBC. Special musical guest, Lorree K. Slye. Bring a memento to put into our Social Justice Time Capsule!

Mission: Since 1994, the Fair Budget Coalition has brought together community leaders, human service and legal service, consumers and providers, advocates, faith organizations and other concerned individuals to advocate for a just and inclusive District of Columbia, by promoting a comprehensive and integrated approach to meeting the human needs of residents of the nation’s capital. We embrace the value that human needs must be addressed in a strategic and comprehensive way. Standing together representing a variety of interests and perspectives, the Coalition brings this message and the voices of our neighbors in need, into local public decision-making processes.

###############

Initiative, Recall, and Referenda Panel Discussion, October 27
James S. Bubar, JBubar@aol.com

The DC Affairs Section of the DC Bar is hosting a panel discussion on the recall process in the District on Wednesday, October 27, from noon to 2:00: After Schwarzenegger: Citizen Lawmaking In The District of Columbia by Initiative, Recall and Referenda. Speakers: Alice Miller, Executive Director, DC Board of Elections and Ethics (invited); Ken McGhie, General Counsel, DC Board of Elections and Ethics (invited); Charlotte Brookins-Hudson, General Counsel, Council of the District of Columbia; Andrew Kline, Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Andrew Kline (invited); Dorothy Brizill, DC Watch. National Higher Education Center, One DuPont Circle, NW (closest Metro Station, DuPont Circle). For more information, contact DC Bar Sections Office, 626-3463. To register for this program please go to http://www.dcbar.org/for_lawyers/events/search_results.cfm?itemNo=060024. Seating is limited. You need not be a section member or a member of the bar to attend. Cost: $15.00, section members, students, government and nonprofit employees; $20.00, all others.

###############

Ross Elementary School Salsa Night, October 29
Dawn Dickerson ddd668@aol.com

Families can enjoy an evening of fun, food, and salsa while helping to raise funds for Ross Elementary School. The Parent Teacher Community Association of Ross Elementary School, http://www.rosselementary.org/index.php, is sponsoring a “Salsa Night” fundraiser to raise money for the physical education program. Friday, October 29, 7-10 p.m., at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1530 P Street, NW. Instruction and music provided by Jesse Golphin, Jr., of the Latin Jazz Alley. Salsa lessons 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., dancing 8:30-10:00 p.m. Tickets $25 (admits two adults, children free); available at Swift Cleaners (the corner of 17th and R Streets, NW) and the main office of Ross Elementary School located at 1730 R Streets, NW.

###############

CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE

Houseboat
D. Ruttenberg, HouseboatForSale@yahoo.com

Would you like to live in one of the best neighborhoods in DC? I loved living on this boat; however, I have bought a larger houseboat and now need to sell my forty-foot Holiday Mansion Houseboat. The boat has many amenities and is set up for living aboard and cruising the Potomac. Use it as your primary home or your weekend getaway. The boat is located at the Gangplank Marina on Water Street in SW, close to Metro, shops, restaurants, the Mall, etc. Asking price is $45,000.00 or best offer. For more details, go to http://www.geocities.com/houseboatforsale/gangplank_marina.html. Please E-mail me at HouseboatForSale@yahoo.com if you are interested.

###############

Like-New Large Sofa
Phil Greene, pgreene@doc.gov

Large red cotton duck fabric with fruit and floral pattern. Great condition. $800 new, we're asking only $250. Chevy Chase, DC. If interested, send an E-mail and I can send you a digital photo.

###############

CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS

Any Suggestions for Shipping Car to DC?
Eugene Kim, bbcoutlook@yahoo.com

I just moved to CA from DC and wanted to ship my car to DC. Does anyone have suggestions on reliable relatively inexpensive companies that can ship my car from CA to DC in about a week? Please E-mail me at bbcoutlook@yahoo.com or post a response and I'll be checking the board.

###############

Mover
Clare Feinson, cfeinson at erols dot com

I highly recommend Continental Movers, 301-984-5903 or 240-483-9078. This locally owned business is extremely reliable and their rates are reasonable. Many Jewish congregations hold High Holiday services in larger quarters, and the owner, Carlos Mora, and his family have moved our prayer books and other items out of storage for the holidays and back again after the holidays for the last seven or eight years. They will also be moving my office of a dozen people to our new site in November.

###############

themail@dcwatch is an E-mail discussion forum that is published every Wednesday and Sunday. To subscribe, to change E-mail addresses, or to switch between HTML and plain text versions of themail, use the subscription form at http://www.dcwatch.com/themail/subscribe.htm. To unsubscribe, send an E-mail message to themail@dcwatch.com with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. Archives of past messages are available at http://www.dcwatch.com/themail.